United Airlines Review

I recently had a roundtrip flight on United Airlines from Denver to Philadelphia with a layover at Chicago O'Hare Airport on both the outbound and return flights. Overall I was pleased with the service and would not mind using this airline again in the future.

The outbound flight from Denver departed at 6AM sharp - which meant I had to arrive at the airport seemingly in the middle of the night. It's worth noting that the ticket counter did not open until 4:30AM, so arriving earlier did me no good. But I was checked-in quickly and efficiently once the staff arrived.

The initial flight had on-time departure both from Denver and from Chicago O'Hare, as I made my way to Philadelphia. I thought the flight crew on both flights was very professional and served us as best as expected. Seating can be a bit tight in coach, but I was lucky enough to get an upgrade to First Class for one leg of the flight.

In First Class you get a roomier seat, more legroom, and lots of service. We got little hot towels to wipe our hands, an omelet for breakfast, free beverages, and an attentive steward.  A blanket and pillow were awaiting each passenger, along with headphones for some in-flight entertainment. There is also a restroom close by (near the cockpit) with a little light telling you if it's occupied. If only I could fly this way all the time.

The service on the return flight from Philadelphia was a little shakier. First of all, the flight was 45 minutes late and the grate staff never made an announcement explaining the delay until the departure time had come and gone. Everyone crowded around the gate had to go and sit down and wait for boarding again. They also didn't control people boarding very well. Passengers were clamoring to board when only the elderly, handicapped, or families with children were called to board early, and they let some able-bodied people cut ahead and boarded ahead of everyone else.

Service on the flight out of Philadelphia was not bad, just nothing spectacular. The crew seemed bored and indifferent. I noticed that calls for service when unanswered and when it got bumpy during the flight they were seemingly delighted they could go sit down. However, the crew on the final leg of the journey from Chicago to Denver was more professional and attentive, giving connecting gate information, beverages, offering snacks, and thanking everyone for flying on United.

Overall I had a good experience on United Airlines. The return flight was a bit late but the outbound flights departed right on time. The majority of the service was good and I got my luggage (although there was a half-hour wait when I got home). While air travel is often stressful and simply no fun anymore, I thought United Airlines came through with good service and I will probably choose them again on my next trip.